Sunday’s much-hyped summit clash at Anfield ensured a rather dull 0-0 stalemate as Jurgen Klopp’s dropped down to the third spot in the Premier League standings.
Alisson Becker was by far Liverpool FC’s best performer on the pitch and a couple of important saves late on in the game from the Brazillian helped the Merseysiders salvage a point from the high-billed fixture.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The hosts controlled the lions share of the possession in the opening third of the match but a resilient Manchester United backline prevented them from taking a lead early on.
Handed a rare outing in league action, Xherdan Shaqiri’s influence on Liverpool FC’s endeavours going forward was quite visible and the Swiss winger was instrumental in setting up Roberto Firmino for a decent chance on goal only for the under-fire Reds No.9 to fire his effort over the bar.
Minutes before the half-time whistle, United talisman Bruno Fernandes secured his side’s first effort on goal when the former Sporting Lisbon man’s free-kick went just inches clear off Alisson Becker’s goal.
Jurgen Klopp’s men were in charge of the game’s proceedings following the commencement of the second-half as well, however, the Reds were unable to make the most of their domination with substantial trouble not being caused for David de Gea on the other end of the pitch.
A second great chance fell Firmino’s way all thanks to a brilliant delivery into the box from Andy Robertson but the Brazillian forward’s touch was subject to a vital block from the visitor’s skipper Harry Maguire.
Bruno Fernandes looked to ensure a win for his side as the Portuguese attacker sought to slot the ball past Alisson from close range but the Reds goalie was ever-present while manning the sticks and kept out the shot to keep the scoreline level.
Alisson was called into action a second time just minutes following his initial save and this time it was Paul Pogba who was handed a golden opportunity to find the back of the net, however, the Reds No.1 had other plans for the Frenchman, with Alisson making a superb stop to deny Pogba as the game soon fizzled out to finish in a goalless stalemate.
